Springs

CMF_DJGazMan · Jul 8, 2005

I've just had some lowering springs fitted to my car but I'm unsure if they're on the right ends and also the correct way up. I have got the 2 springs that are wound closer together at one end, on the back with the closely wound coils at the bottom. The ohther two are one the front. They seem to be wound evenly. Do I have them on the right ends and the correct way up?

CMF_NotAnotherSSS · Jul 8, 2005

Does it drive and sit even?

CMF_Sean · Jul 8, 2005

The fronts are fine, however the backs are on upside down.

They are called progressive rate springs and as you compress them, they get firmer. The smaller coils need to be at the top.

Sean

cisco · Jul 8, 2005

I'd heard in the past that the close end needs to be at the bottom.

However I really don't see why it makes a difference.
You have a load compresssing a spring from both ends.

The softest part of a progressive spring is always going to compress first, regardless of which end the load was source from. Its effectively a load from both ends when it meets the resistance of the car's weight.

I don't think you will notice anything by having them either way. Even one one way and the other the other way.

CMF_jamm'n · Jul 8, 2005

exactly what i thought. can't see it makeing ne difference.

CMF_NotAnotherSSS · Jul 8, 2005

Thats why i asked if it sat and drove OK, because i tried multiple spring orientations on my pulsar and it made no difference....

CMF_DJGazMan · Jul 11, 2005

It does drive OK but the front is slightly higher than the back. I've heard Micra owners stress this before though as the front springs are longer to start with, hence many people buying custom drops with it being slammed more at the front to even it out.

So you guys think I should leave it with the smaller coils at the bottom?

PS I have just been on a 500+ mile round trip and encountered no problems with them. Most of it was motorway driving though... Gave them a chance to be in I suppose though

CMF_Polar · Jul 12, 2005

i used them with the coils closer at the bottom. and it was fine.

CMF_DJGazMan · Jul 12, 2005

Oh right mate. They're a good ride and look good. I'm happy with them. Does it really matter though, that is the thing.

CMF_Polar · Jul 12, 2005

you sure its lower at the back than front? its that unladen?

CMF_DJGazMan · Jul 12, 2005

It's slighlty noticeable. I assume it wasn't like that for you?

CMF_Polar · Jul 13, 2005

i dont think it was different. not parked on a slight slope?
but i did have a totally stripped out rear so the extra weight of standard kit may bring it down tiny bti. nothing to be worried about anyway. it will actually give you a more balanced weight distribution.

CMF_DJGazMan · Jul 13, 2005

I actually do like it so there is no worries. It flies around the corners even with the standard wheels on. I'm waiting for some Almera 14" Alloys so that should be even better

CMF_LWC · Jul 15, 2005

In theory under load the whole spring moves and gets shorter as it compresses. When the closer coils touch (coil binding) they become solid and hence a dead weight (spring becomes stiffer). If you put them at the top then they don't have to move up and down with the axle under higher suspension loads (coil binding), ie reduced unsprung weight. However a pair of springs weighs about 4 kilos so the effect of a couple of hundred grams of weight should be negligible. So put make sure you have they up the same way on both sides and get lighter wheels and tyres

LWC

Springs

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